Introduction

Child sexual abuse is a global problem. Disclosure of abuse is a key to providing support and appropriate interventions. The challenges to disclosure are great. This paper reviews the current literature about disclosure and child sexual abuse with a focus on key messages for child protection workers and their practice. NSW Department of Family and Community Services

This resource sheet provides an overview of what is known about the prevalence of different forms of child abuse and neglect for policy-makers and service providers. It provides an overview of Australian studies that have estimated the prevalence of the different forms of child maltreatment (i.e., physical abuse, neglect, emotional maltreatment, exposure to family violence, and sexual abuse). Australian Institute of Family Studies

Despite the reporting obligations across Australia, it is widely accepted that child sexual abuse is significantly under-reported. Chapter 5 of Interim Report Volume 1 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Recent efforts to clarify definitions of grooming in research reflect an increased awareness of the diverse range of settings in which grooming may occur, as well as the diverse range of targets and purposes of grooming techniques. Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Research paper which promotes a nuanced approach to prevention which has the potential to transfer to a range of locations and contexts globally, facilitating a more efficient response to sexual abus ...

A comprehensive support document for the Working With Children Check eLearning module.

The NSW Office of Sport has tools and resources for people who manage sport for children in NSW. They also provide face-to-face child safe training designed specifically for a sporting context. To register go to: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/childsafety/training

Play By The Rules is a national program that provides useful information, training and guidance on child safe sport. It has resources for club administrators, officials, coaches, players and spectators to keep children’s sport safe, fair and inclusive. Resources include policy templates, eLearning, posters and toolkits for a variety of sport-related roles. http://www.playbytherules.net.au/

Childsafe is a charity that serves organisations working with children and young people, with the goal of improving child safety. To access resources and support go to http://www.childsafe.org.au/

Kidsafe is a charity dedicated to preventing childhood injuries and reducing death and disabilities associated with accidents in children under the age of 15. https://kidsafe.com.au/

Headspace provides tailored and holistic mental health support to 12 - 25 year olds with a focus on early intervention. It provides counselling, education and employment services and alcohol and other substance advice. Find out more at http://www.headspace.org.au/

The Kids Helpline is a confidential telephone counselling service for children and young people. You can call 1800 55 1800 24/7.

Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services. You can call Lifeline’s confidential 24 hour crisis support service on 13 11 14 to talk about:

Anxiety

Depression

Loneliness

Abuse and trauma

Physical or mental wellbeing

Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Stresses from work, family or society

You can call the Family and Community Services Helpline to report suspected abuse or neglect of children or young people on 132 111 or TTY 1800 212 936 (for the hearing impaired). The Child Protection Helpline operates 24/7. All reports are treated confidentially and you can remain anonymous if you wish. https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/Protecting-kids/reporting-child-at-risk

Keep Them Safe: A shared approach to child wellbeing is the NSW Government's plan to re-shape the way family and community services are delivered in NSW. Keep Them Safe includes actions to enhance the universal service system, improve prevention and early intervention services, better protect children at risk, support Aboriginal children and families, and strengthen partnerships with non-government organisations in the delivery of community services. http://www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au/home

Identify and Respond to Young People and Children at Risk is a workshop that provides you with the opportunity to update your legislative knowledge and to explore some of the complex issues surrounding the recognition of, and response to abuse, neglect and risk of harm. You can find out how to attend a session by going to http://www.acwa.asn.au/about/contact/in-house-services/

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) promotes quality child abuse prevention research and supports the safety and wellbeing of children and young people It also coordinates National Child Protection Week. You can find out more here: https://www.napcan.org.au/about-us/

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety resources for schools, parents and communities. It has an information page on individual apps, games and social networking sites your children might access and may need protection from. Find out more here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources

Bullying no way provides information for parents and carers about bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence in schools. If you want to talk to someone contact the NSW Parentline on 1300 1300 52 24/7 or go to http://bullyingnoway.gov.au/parents/index.htmlIn-house services such as Child Wellbeing Units may be available in your workplace, club or religious organisation. They will provide general information and support as well as information that is specific to your organisation.

Disclaimer: This information may be subject to change. Other resources are available. If you think a child is in immediate risk of harm and abuse, you should call the NSW Child Protection Helpline 132 111 or NSW Police 131 444.